When it became apparent that the dam protecting the historic village of Zoar from the Tuscarawas River needed major repairs, the community's discussions with the federal government took an unexpected turn.

One of the three options that would be studied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains the dam, was breaching the 75-year-old structure, allowing it to do exactly what it was built to prevent: flood the village.

Unexpected — and unthinkable.

The possibility galvanized the village behind efforts to save Zoar, and it has paid off.

Officials of the Army Corps met with residents last week and told them that the worst-case scenario is off the table. There will be no destruction of Zoar.

We share the big sense of relief that followed the announcement, and we thank and congratulate all who went to bat for the community. They include village officials and residents; members of the Zoar Community Association, which manages the state memorial; Congressman Bob Gibbs and U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman; and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Mayor Larry Bell said after the good news was announced, "I have heard from people from around the country that historic Zoar Village is truly a national treasure that is worthy of preserving."

For the sake of current Zoar residents and future generations of residents and visitors, we are glad that the federal government heard and heeded this message.